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Green Days - 10 of Britain's Best Golf Courses

With its sensational heritage and varied landscapes, few golfing destinations offer more rewarding, challenging and authentic experiences than Britain. But with over 2,000 golf courses throughout this green and pleasant land, finding the perfect one on which to test your skills can be tricky!

So here are our top 10 favourites, from much-loved championship superstars to classic courses in spellbinding locations. Many host amateur and professional events throughout the year too, so even if your swing isn't up to the challenge, you can still appreciate all the thrilling action these courses have to offer.

1. Old Course, St Andrews Links, Scotland

You'll Love...experiencing where it all began

Obvious? Yes, but this world-famous course has such incredible heritage and has witnessed so many legendary moments that we just couldn't miss it out! Of course, if you want to enjoy a round on the iconic Old Course you'll need a little luck on your side before you even get to the tee.

Bookings fill up a year in advance or you can enter the special ballot two days ahead of play. But this is one game you'll never forget

2. The Nairn Golf Club, Scotland

You'll love...the superb sea views

First up is Nairn, and it's a crafty one! Fast greens and a strong breeze combine with a stunning seaside location to give some truly memorable challenges - you might find yourself on the beach if you're not careful.

Each of the 18 holes presents you with breathtaking panoramic scenes of the Moray Firth making it easily one of Scotland's most beautiful links courses.

3. Ailsa Course, Trump Turnberry, Scotland

You'll love...the sensational revamp

This much-loved historic course was given a substantial overhaul in 2016 and the results are outstanding. Five new holes and major, yet sympathetic, alterations to all the other holes have made this top ranked course even more pleasurable to play.

The setting itself remains wonderfully unspoilt with the famous Turnberry Lighthouse sitting magnificently against the rugged coastline.

4. Royal Birkdale Golf Club, Southport, England

You'll love...playing at England's favourite course

Over the past 70 years, this links course has held more championship and international events than any other course in the world - including 2017's British Open. It's popular with amateurs too and is regularly voted England's favourite course.

No wonder it's such a hit, carefully manicured fairways run through flat-bottomed valleys, while immense bunkers and prevailing winds keep things ever challenging - a fantastically fair test of skill.

5. Ganton Golf Club, North Yorkshire, England

You'll love...outsmarting the fiendish bunkers

When you think Ganton, you think bunkers! There are over 100 sandy snares to avoid as you play these fast flowing greens - including some that are colossal in size.

The imaginative challenges presented by this inland course are complemented by firm fairways and great banks of heather and gorse that pop with bright colours in the spring and summer time - a stunning sight that hints at the beauty of the nearby North York Moors.

6. Aberdovey Golf Club, Wales

You'll love...the magical surroundings

With the dramatic Cambrian mountains on one side and rugged coastline on the other, this links course is wonderfully enchanting. With over 100 years of history, Aberdovey has built a reputation for offering true and consistent greens yet with some fiercely tricky conditions when the wind picks up.

Even the journey to Aberdovey is steeped in heritage as you ride one of Britain's most picturesque railway lines directly to the club - just like the golfers of yesteryear!

7. Royal West Norfolk Golf Club, Norfolk, England

You'll love... the total sense of isolation

Over a century old, this classic links course is the perfect place to enjoy a quiet game. Restricted visitor numbers and expansive, evocative sea views mean you can truly appreciate the delights of this traditional Norfolk course in peace.

But don't let the idyllic surroundings fool you, narrow fairways, deep bunkers and intense winds make a game here anything but easy

8. Stoke Park, Buckinghamshire, England

You'll love...golfing like Goldfinger

The site of the infamous golfing duel between James Bond and Goldfinger (the one that featured the awesome statue-decapitating bowler hat) continues to ooze charm with its 18th-century mansion and spotless parkland course.

9. The Royal St. George's Golf Club, Kent, England

You'll love...besting one of golf's trickiest courses

The home of the UK's tallest and deepest bunker is unsurprisingly packed with challenges, including rolling fairways and a strong sea breeze. But couple that with an artful design, varied holes and spectacular scenery and you have one of England's most exciting championship links courses.

With the British Open gracing its doors once again in 2020, this is one course that is truly worth your attention.

10. East Course, Saunton Golf Club, North Devon, England

You'll love...the utterly unspoilt scenery

Don't let the gorgeous rolling Devon countryside fool you - this 36-hole championship links course is a brute, ready to challenge and reward you in equal measure. Hazards weave throughout the untouched sand dunes including deep rough and undulating greens.

The crowning glory, however, is the series of long par 4s (many of which are over 400 yards) which make protecting your score a serious challenge. One of the finest and most enjoyable courses in the country.